Reduce the Prevalence of Tobacco and New Addictive Drugs Through Active Advocacy

    The project endeavors to diminish the prevalence of tobacco and emerging addictive substances through a multifaceted approach. This includes raising public awareness, advocating for policy changes and tax increases, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices. Key strategies encompass engaging policy stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Health and provincial health departments, to advocate for necessary policy adjustments and tax increments. Additionally, the project will focus on advocating for the health levy bill and establishing a think tank of experts. Furthermore, efforts will be made to elevate the campaign’s profile and visibility by actively participating in events like Public Health/World AIDS days and public forums, with a special emphasis on promoting a tobacco-free youth agenda. Notably, a national-level event in Islamabad will be organized to engage the ministry and relevant stakeholders, further advancing the project’s objectives.

    The Team

    Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan

    Vice Chancellor Health Services Academy, Islamabad

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    Vice Chancellor of Health Services Academy

    Prof Dr Shahid Baig

    Dean Life Sciences Department Health Services Academy, Islamabad

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    • Ph.D. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Skilled in Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Genetics, Cell Biology, and Science. Strong healthcare services professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) focused in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad.

    Prof Dr Babar Taseem Sheikh

    Coordinator PhD Public Health/Director ORIC Health Services Academy, Islamabad

    Profile

    Babar Tasneem Shaikh has almost 25 years of experience in health systems and policy. Babar is a medical doctor with an MPH from Ecole de Santé Publique from Nancy in France, a PhD from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and a fellowship from Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh in the UK. He carries a diverse experience of research, advocacy and service in public health. He has been involved in qualitative as well as quantitative analysis and research works. He has worked in various projects for international and national public health and social development organizations. He has secured grants from WHO, Aga Khan Foundation Geneva, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UK, David & Lucile Packard Foundation, KfW, EU, UNDP, USAID, DfID, AusAID, and Global Aid Canada, French, Norwegian and Italian foreign offices, mainly for strengthening public health system.

    Prof Dr Rana Imran Sikander

    Executive Director-PIMS

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    He is the Head of the department and Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care

    Dr Nadeem Ul Haque

    Vice Chancellor PIDE

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    He is serving as Vice-Chancellor, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics/Chairperson, RAC. Nadeem Ul Haque remained Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of Pakistan, Trade Policy Advisor to the Minister of Commerce, and served in the IMF for 22 years, as a leading technical assistance missions and policy and research teams, and resident representative in two developing countries. His research interests include macro-economic management, planning process and decision making, civil service reform, cities and urban planning, foreign aid and knowledge economy.

    Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akbar

    Vice Chancellor Quaid E Azam University

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    He is currently serving as the vice-chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, in office since 14 March 2023. He was also the vice-chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council from Punjab for 3 years term (2021-2024). His other roles have included being the professor emeritus at the University of the Punjab, where he also served as a vice-chancellor, the vice-chancellor of the University of the Punjab, the vice-chancellor of the University of Sahiwal, rector of the National Textile University, Faisalabad, vice-chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, and the vice-chancellor of the Information Technology University, Lahore. He is also the founding director of the Institute of Quality and Technology Management and the Quality Enhancement Cell at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. In recognition of his outstanding performance in the field of Education (Engineering & Technology), he was awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan in 2015.

    Prof Dr Muhammad Sarwar

    Acting President & Dean International Islamic University, Islamabad

    Profile

    Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar is an educationist and is working as Dean Faculty of Education in Islamic International University Islamabad (IIUI), prior this he has worked in Superior University and University of Sargodha. Besides this he has worked as consultant with HEC, the Government of the Punjab, SDPI, TEVTA, USAID, and the World Bank.

    Prof Dr Sajid Qamar

    Rector COMSATS University, Islamabad

    Profile

    Prof. Sajid Qamar completed his PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad in 2000. During PhD he was a visiting scholar at the Department of Physics, Hong Kong Baptist University, HK, China. After completing his PhD, he went for his post-doctoral research, initially, to the Hong Kong Baptist University. Later, he went to Texas A&M University, College Station, USA and joined Institute for Quantum Studies for his post-doctoral studies. He was a visiting scientist at the Max-Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg, Germany. Currently working as Rector COMSATS University

    Mr. Hassan Muhamamd Khan

    Chancellor Ripah International University, Islamabad

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    Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan has done dual majors in Industrial Engineering and Economics from Boston, USA, which he followed up with a Masters in Business Administration. He has traveled widely in the world and his areas of interest include innovation in management and educational models. As an educationist of distinction, Mr. Hassan Khan has played a pivotal role in the establishment, development, and recognition of institutions of Riphah International University.

    Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan, HI(M)

    Vice Chancellor Air University, Islamabad

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    Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan has commanded a Fighter Squadron, Military Training Wing PAF Academy, Asghar Khan and Combat Commanders School, Mushaf. He also served as Commandant College of Flying Training and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Plans). He held different portfolios as Principle Staff Officer, which included Director General (Security), Director General (Welfare & Rehabilitation), Director General (Operations) and Air Officer Commanding, Northern Air Command. Presently, he was serving as Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Air Defence) at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, Karachi, National Defence University and Air War College, Alabama United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in War Studies. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

    Prof Dr Sohail Naseem

    Consultant Pulmonologist Maroof International Hospital, Islamabad

    Profile

    Dr. Sohail has done his specialist training in United States and is American Board Certified in Pulmonary/Critical Care/Sleep Medicine. He has more than 20 years of experience in USA and 10 years of experience in Pakistan. Currently working at maroof Intl. Hospital as Consultant Pulmonologist.

    Prof Dr Ghulam Haider Khalid

    Professor and Section Head, Dept. of Medicine (STMU) Consultant Pulmonologist (Shifa Intl. Hosp.) Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad

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    After graduated from Bolan Medical College, Quetta, Dr. Ghulam Haider completed his Fellowship from College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan and is currently working as Consultant Pulmonologist at Shifa International Hospitals, Islamabad.

    Dr Ayesha Rehman

    Chest Specialist Former Assistant Professor, Isra University, Islamabad

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    Dr Ambreen Alamdar

    Assistant Professor Health Services Academy, Islamabad

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    Dr Ambreen Alamdar

    Assistant Professor Health Services Academy, Islamabad

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